Postnatal Care NICE

Postnatal care
Issued: December 2014 last modified: February 2015

NICE clinical guideline 37
guidance.nice.org.uk/cg37
NICE 2014
Postnatal care
Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................
Table 1 Status levels ............................................................................................................................
Medicine recommendations .................................................................................................................
Patient-centred care ...................................................................................................................
Key priorities for implementation ................................................................................................
1 Recommendations ..................................................................................................................
1.1 Planning the content and delivery of care ......................................................................................
1.2 Maternal health ..............................................................................................................................
11
1.3 Infant feeding .................................................................................................................................
20
1.4 Maintaining infant health ................................................................................................................
27
2 Research recommendations ................................................................................................... 37

2.1 Routine monitoring of the weight of babies ....................................................................................
37
2.2 Evaluation of Baby Friendly Initiative .............................................................................................
37
2.3 The effect of peer support on severity of postnatal depression......................................................
38
3 Other information..................................................................................................................... 39
3.1 Scope and how this guideline was developed ...............................................................................
39
3.2 Related NICE guidance..................................................................................................................
40
4 Standing Committee B and NICE project team ....................................................................... 42

4.1 Standing Committee B ...................................................................................................................
42
4.2 Clinical Guidelines Update Team ...................................................................................................
43
4.3 NICE project team ..........................................................................................................................
44
4.4 Declarations of interests.................................................................................................................
45
Changes after publication........................................................................................................... 63

Update information ...............................................................................................................................
63
About this guideline .................................................................................................................... 64
NICE 2014. All rights reserved. Last modified February 2015
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Postnatal care
Strength of recommendations ..............................................................................................................
64
Other versions of this guideline ............................................................................................................
66
Implementation.....................................................................................................................................
66
Your responsibility ................................................................................................................................
66
Copyright ..............................................................................................................................................
66
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Recommendations on co-sleeping and sudden infant death syndrome were updated in 2014
and cover the first year of an infant's life. The guideline addendum contains details of the
methods and evidence used to develop these updated recommendations.
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Introduction
This guideline aims to identify the essential core (routine) care that every woman and her baby
should receive in the first 68 weeks after birth, based on the best evidence available. The
recommendations on co-sleeping and sudden infant death syndrome cover the first year of an
infant's life.
Although for most women and babies the postnatal period is uncomplicated, care during this
period needs to address any deviation from expected recovery after birth. This guideline gives
advice on when additional care may be needed and these recommendations have been given a
status level (indicating the degree of urgency needed in dealing with the problem (see table 1).
Table 1 Status levels

Status
Classification
Emergency Life-threatening or potential life-threatening situation

Urgent
Potentially serious situation, which needs appropriate action
Non-urgent Continue to monitor and assess
Medicine recommendations
The guideline will assume that prescribers will use a medicine's summary of product
characteristics to inform decisions made with individual patients.
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Patient-centred care
This guideline offers best practice advice on the care that every woman and her baby should
receive in the first 68 weeks after birth. The advice on co-sleeping and sudden infant death
syndrome covers the first year of an infant's life.
Patients and healthcare professionals have rights and responsibilities as set out in the
NHS Constitution for England all NICE guidance is written to reflect these. Treatment and care
should take into account individual needs and preferences. Patients should have the opportunity
to make informed decisions about their care and treatment, in partnership with their healthcare
professionals. If the patient is under 16, their family or carers should also be given information
and support to help the child or young person to make decisions about their treatment.
Healthcare professionals should follow the Department of Health's advice on consent. If
someone does not have capacity to make decisions, healthcare professionals should follow the
code of practice that accompanies the Mental Capacity Act and the supplementary code of
practice on deprivation of liberty safeguards.
NICE has produced guidance on the components of good patient experience in adult NHS
services. All healthcare professionals should follow the recommendations in patient experience
in adult NHS services.
NICE has also produced guidance on the components of good service user experience. All
healthcare professionals and social care practitioners working with people using adult NHS
mental health services should follow the recommendations in service user experience in adult
mental health.
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Key priorities for implementation

The following recommendations were identified as priorities for implementation in the [2006]
guideline and were not changed in the [2014] update.
A documented, individualised postnatal care plan should be developed with the woman
ideally in the antenatal period or as soon as possible after birth. This should include:
relevant factors from the antenatal, intrapartum and immediate postnatal period
details of the healthcare professionals involved in her care and that of her baby,
including roles and contact details
plans for the postnatal period.
This should be reviewed at each postnatal contact. [2006]
There should be local protocols about written communication, in particular about the transfer
of care between clinical sectors and healthcare professionals. These protocols should be
audited. [2006]
Women should be offered relevant and timely information to enable them to promote their
own and their babies' health and wellbeing and to recognise and respond to problems.
[2006]
At the first postnatal contact, women should be advised of the signs and symptoms of
potentially life-threatening conditions (given in table 2) and to contact their healthcare
professional immediately or call for emergency help if any signs and symptoms occur. [2006]
All maternity care providers (whether working in hospital or in primary care) should
implement an externally evaluated, structured programme that encourages breastfeeding,
using the Baby Friendly Initiative as a minimum standard. [2006]
At each postnatal contact, women should be asked about their emotional wellbeing, what
family and social support they have and their usual coping strategies for dealing with
day-to-day matters. Women and their families/partners should be encouraged to tell their
healthcare professional about any changes in mood, emotional state and behaviour that are
outside of the woman's normal pattern. [2006]
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At each postnatal contact, parents should be offered information and advice to enable them
to:
assess their baby's general condition
identify signs and symptoms of common health problems seen in babies
contact a healthcare professional or emergency service if required. [2006]
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1 Recommendations
The following guidance is based on the best available evidence. The full guideline gives details
of the methods and the evidence used to develop the [2006] recommendations. The guideline
addendum gives details of the methods and the evidence used to develop the [2014]
recommendations on co-sleeping and sudden infant death syndrome.
1.1 Planning the content and delivery of care

Principles of care
1.1.1
Each postnatal contact should be provided in accordance with the principles of

individualised care. In order to deliver the core care recommended in this
guideline, postnatal services should be planned locally to achieve the most
efficient and effective service for women and their babies. [2006]
1.1.2
A coordinating healthcare professional should be identified for each woman.

Based on the changing needs of the woman and baby, this professional is
likely to change over time. [2006]
1.1.3
A documented, individualised postnatal care plan should be developed with the

woman, ideally in the antenatal period or as soon as possible after birth. This
should include:
relevant factors from the antenatal, intrapartum and immediate postnatal period
details of the healthcare professionals involved in her care and that of her baby,
including roles and contact details
plans for the postnatal period.
This should be reviewed at each postnatal contact. [2006]
1.1.4
Women should be offered an opportunity to talk about their birth experiences

and to ask questions about the care they received during labour. [2006]
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Postnatal care
1.1.5
Women should be offered relevant and timely information to enable them to

promote their own and their babies' health and wellbeing and to recognise and
respond to problems. [2006]
1.1.6
At each postnatal contact the healthcare professional should:

ask the woman about her health and wellbeing and that of her baby. This should
include asking women about their experience of common physical health problems.
Any symptoms reported by the woman or identified through clinical observations
should be assessed.
offer consistent information and clear explanations to empower the woman to take
care of her own health and that of her baby, and to recognise symptoms that may
require discussion
encourage the woman and her family to report any concerns in relation to their
physical, social, mental or emotional health, discuss issues and ask questions
document in the care plan any specific problems and follow-up. [2006]
1.1.7
Length of stay in a maternity unit should be discussed between the individual

woman and her healthcare professional, taking into account the health and
wellbeing of the woman and her baby and the level of support available
following discharge. [2006]
Professional communication
1.1.8
There should be local protocols about written communication, in particular

about the transfer of care between clinical sectors and healthcare
professionals. These protocols should be audited. [2006]
1.1.9
Healthcare professionals should use hand-held maternity records, the

postnatal care plans and personal child health records, to promote
communication with women. [2006]
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Competencies
1.1.10 All healthcare professionals who care for mothers and babies should work
within the relevant competencies developed by Skills for Health. Relevant
healthcare professionals should also have demonstrated competency and
sufficient ongoing clinical experience in:
undertaking maternal and newborn physical examinations and recognising
abnormalities
supporting breastfeeding women including a sound understanding of the physiology
of lactation and neonatal metabolic adaptation and the ability to communicate this to
parents
recognising the risks, signs and symptoms of domestic abuse and whom to contact
for advice and management, as recommended by Department of Health guidance ,
[ 1] [ 2]
recognising the risks, signs and symptoms of child abuse and whom to contact for
advice and management, as recommended by Department of Health guidance[ ].
[2006]
1
1.2 Maternal health

Information giving
1.2.1
At the first postnatal contact, women should be advised of the signs and
symptoms of potentially life-threatening conditions (given in table 2) and to
contact their healthcare professional immediately or call for emergency help if
any signs and symptoms occur. [2006]
Table 2 Signs and symptoms of potentially life-threatening conditions

Signs and symptoms
Condition
Sudden and profuse blood loss or persistent increased blood loss

Faintness, dizziness or palpitations/tachycardia
Postpartum
haemorrhage
Fever, shivering, abdominal pain and/or offensive vaginal loss
Infection
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Headaches accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms

within the first 72 hours after birth:
Pre-eclampsia/
eclampsia
visual disturbances
nausea, vomiting
Unilateral calf pain, redness or swelling
Thromboembolism
Shortness of breath or chest pain

[ 3]
1.2.2
The Department of Health booklet 'Birth to five' , which is a guide to

parenthood and the first 5 years of a child's life, should be given to all women
within 3 days of birth (if it has not been received antenatally). [2006]
1.2.3
The personal child health record should be given to all women as soon as
possible (if it has not been received antenatally) and its use explained. [2006]
1.2.4
Women should be offered information and reassurance on:

the physiological process of recovery after birth (within the first 24 hours)
normal patterns of emotional changes in the postnatal period and that these usually
resolve within 1014 days of giving birth (within 3 days)
common health concerns as appropriate (weeks 28). [2006]
Life-threatening conditions: core care and raised concern

Postpartum haemorrhage
1.2.5
In the absence of abnormal vaginal loss, assessment of the uterus by

abdominal palpation or measurement as a routine observation is unnecessary.
[2006]
1.2.6
Assessment of vaginal loss and uterine involution and position should be

undertaken in women with excessive or offensive vaginal loss, abdominal
tenderness or fever. Any abnormalities in the size, tone and position of the
uterus should be evaluated. If no uterine abnormality is found, consider other
causes of symptoms (urgent action). [2006]
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1.2.7
Sudden or profuse blood loss, or blood loss accompanied by any of the signs
and symptoms of shock, including tachycardia, hypotension, hypoperfusion
and change in consciousness, should be evaluated (emergency action). [2006]
Genital tract sepsis

1.2.8
In the absence of any signs and symptoms of infection, routine assessment of

temperature is unnecessary. [2006]
1.2.9
Temperature should be taken and documented if infection is suspected. If the

temperature is above 38C, repeat measurement in 46 hours. [2006]
1.2.10 If the temperature remains above 38C on the second reading or there are
other observable symptoms and measurable signs of sepsis, evaluate further
(emergency action). [2006]
Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia
1.2.11
A minimum of one blood pressure measurement should be carried out and

documented within 6 hours of the birth. [2006]
1.2.12 Routine assessment of proteinuria is not recommended. [2006]

1.2.13 Women with severe or persistent headache should be evaluated and
pre-eclampsia considered (emergency action). [2006]
1.2.14 If diastolic blood pressure is greater than 90 mmHg, and there are no other
signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia, measurement of blood pressure should
be repeated within 4 hours. [2006]
1.2.15 If diastolic blood pressure is greater than 90 mmHg and accompanied by
another sign or symptom of pre-eclampsia, evaluate further (emergency
action). [2006]
1.2.16 If diastolic blood pressure is greater than 90 mmHg and does not fall below
90 mmHg within 4 hours, evaluate for pre-eclampsia (emergency action).
[2006]
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Thromboembolism
1.2.17 Women should be encouraged to mobilise as soon as appropriate following the
birth. [2006]
1.2.18 Women with unilateral calf pain, redness or swelling should be evaluated for
deep venous thrombosis (emergency action). [2006]
1.2.19 Women experiencing shortness of breath or chest pain should be evaluated for
pulmonary thromboembolism (emergency action). [2006]
1.2.20 Routine use of Homan's sign as a tool for evaluation of thromboembolism is
not recommended. [2006]
1.2.21 Obese women are at higher risk of thromboembolism and should receive
individualised care. [2006]
Mental health and wellbeing

1.2.22 At each postnatal contact, women should be asked about their emotional
wellbeing, what family and social support they have and their usual coping
strategies for dealing with day-to-day matters. Women and their families/
partners should be encouraged to tell their healthcare professional about any
changes in mood, emotional state and behaviour that are outside of the
woman's normal pattern. [2006]
1.2.23 Formal debriefing of the birth experience is not recommended. [2006]
1.2.24 All healthcare professionals should be aware of signs and symptoms of
maternal mental health problems that may be experienced in the weeks and
months after the birth. [2006]
1.2.25 At 1014 days after birth, women should be asked about resolution of
symptoms of baby blues (for example, tearfulness, feelings of anxiety and low
mood). If symptoms have not resolved, the woman should be assessed for
postnatal depression, and if symptoms persist, evaluated further (urgent
action) . [2006]
[ 4]
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1.2.26 Women should be encouraged to help look after their mental health by looking
after themselves. This includes taking gentle exercise, taking time to rest,
getting help with caring for the baby, talking to someone about their feelings
and ensuring they can access social support networks. [2006]
Physical health and wellbeing

Perineal care
1.2.27 At each postnatal contact, women should be asked whether they have any
concerns about the healing process of any perineal wound; this might include
experience of perineal pain, discomfort or stinging, offensive odour or
dyspareunia. [2006]
1.2.28 The healthcare professional should offer to assess the perineum if the woman
has pain or discomfort. [2006]
1.2.29 Women should be advised that topical cold therapy, for example crushed ice or
gel pads, are effective methods of pain relief for perineal pain. [2006]
1.2.30 If oral analgesia is required, paracetamol should be used in the first instance
unless contraindicated. [2006]
1.2.31 If cold therapy or paracetamol is not effective a prescription for oral or rectal
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication should be considered in
the absence of any contraindications (non-urgent action). [2006]
1.2.32 Signs and symptoms of infection, inadequate repair, wound breakdown or
non-healing should be evaluated (urgent action). [2006]
1.2.33 Women should be advised of importance of perineal hygiene, including
frequent changing of sanitary pads, washing hands before and after doing this,
and daily bathing or showering to keep their perineum clean. [2006]
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Dyspareunia
1.2.34 Women should be asked about resumption of sexual intercourse and possible
dyspareunia 26 weeks after the birth. [2006]
1.2.35 If a woman expresses anxiety about resuming intercourse, reasons for this
should be explored. [2006]
1.2.36 Women with perineal trauma who experience dyspareunia should be offered
an assessment of the perineum. (See perineal care above) [2006]
1.2.37 A water-based lubricant gel to help ease discomfort during intercourse may be
advised, particularly if a woman is breastfeeding. [2006]
1.2.38 Women who continue to express anxiety about sexual health problems should
be evaluated (non-urgent action). [2006]
Headache
For severe headache see section on pre-eclampsia/eclampsia.
1.2.39 Women should be asked about headache symptoms at each postnatal contact.
[2006]
1.2.40 Women who have had epidural or spinal anaesthesia should be advised to
report any severe headache, particularly one which occurs while sitting or
standing. [2006]
1.2.41 Management of mild postnatal headache should be based on differential
diagnosis of headache type and local treatment protocols. [2006]
1.2.42 Women with tension or migraine headaches should be offered advice on
relaxation and how to avoid factors associated with the onset of headaches.
[2006]
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Fatigue
1.2.43 Women who report persistent fatigue should be asked about their general
wellbeing, and offered advice on diet, exercise and planning activities,
including spending time with her baby. [2006]
1.2.44 If persistent postnatal fatigue impacts on the woman's care of herself or baby,
underlying physical, psychological or social causes should be evaluated.
[2006]
1.2.45 If a woman has sustained a postpartum haemorrhage, or is experiencing
persistent fatigue, her haemoglobin level should be evaluated and if low,
treated according to local policy. [2006]
Backache
1.2.46 Women experiencing backache in the postnatal period should be managed as
in the general population. [2006]
Constipation
1.2.47 Women should be asked if they have opened their bowels within 3 days of the
birth. [2006]
1.2.48 Women who are constipated and uncomfortable should have their diet and
fluid intake assessed and offered advice on how to improve their diet. [2006]
1.2.49 A gentle laxative may be recommended if dietary measures are not effective.
[2006]
Haemorrhoids
1.2.50 Women with haemorrhoids should be advised to take dietary measures to
avoid constipation and should be offered management based on local
treatment protocols. [2006]
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1.2.51 Women with a severe, swollen or prolapsed haemorrhoid or any rectal

bleeding should be evaluated (urgent action). [2006]
Faecal incontinence
1.2.52 Women with faecal incontinence should be assessed for severity, duration and
frequency of symptoms. If symptoms do not resolve, evaluate further (urgent
action). [2006]
Urinary retention
1.2.53 Urine passed within 6 hours of urination during labour should be documented.
[2006]
1.2.54 If urine has not been passed within 6 hours after the birth, efforts to assist
urination should be advised, such as taking a warm bath or shower. [2006]
1.2.55 If urine has not been passed by 6 hours after the birth and measures to
encourage micturition are not immediately successful, bladder volume should
be assessed and catheterisation considered (urgent action). [2006]
Urinary incontinence
1.2.56 Women with involuntary leakage of a small volume of urine should be taught
pelvic floor exercises. [2006]
1.2.57 Women with involuntary leakage of urine which does not resolve or becomes
worse should be evaluated. [2006]
Contraception
1.2.58 Methods and timing of resumption of contraception should be discussed within
the first week of the birth. [2006]
1.2.59 The coordinating healthcare professional should provide proactive assistance
to women who may have difficulty accessing contraceptive care. This includes
providing contact details for expert contraceptive advice. [2006]
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Immunisation
1.2.60 Anti-D immunoglobulin should be offered to every non-sensitised
Rh-D-negative woman within 72 hours following the delivery of an
RhD-positive baby. [2006]
1.2.61 Women found to be sero-negative on antenatal screening for rubella should be
offered an MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination following birth and
before discharge from the maternity unit if they are in hospital. [2006]
1.2.62 See the Public Health England/Department of Health guidance, Immunisation
against infectious disease (2013) (the Green Book) for guidance on the timing
of MMR vaccination in women who are sero-negative for rubella who also
require anti-D immunoglobulin injection. [new 2015]
1.2.63 Women should be advised that pregnancy should be avoided for 1 month after
receiving MMR, but that breastfeeding may continue. [2006]
Safety
Domestic abuse
1.2.64 Healthcare professionals should be aware of the risks, signs and symptoms of
domestic abuse and know who to contact for advice and management,
following guidance from the Department of Health[ ],[ ][2006]
1
68-week check
1.2.65 At the end of the postnatal period, the coordinating healthcare professional
should ensure that the woman's physical, emotional and social wellbeing is
reviewed. Screening and medical history should also be taken into account.
[2006]
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1.3 Infant feeding

A supportive environment for breastfeeding
1.3.1
Breastfeeding support should be made available regardless of the location of

care. [2006]
1.3.2
All healthcare providers (hospitals and community) should have a written

breastfeeding policy that is communicated to all staff and parents. Each
provider should identify a lead healthcare professional responsible for
implementing this policy. [2006]
1.3.3
All maternity care providers (whether working in hospital or in primary care)

should implement an externally evaluated, structured programme that
encourages breastfeeding, using the Baby Friendly Initiative as a minimum
standard. [2006]
1.3.4
Healthcare professionals should have sufficient time, as a priority, to give

support to a woman and baby during initiation and continuation of
breastfeeding. [2006]
1.3.5
Where postnatal care is provided in hospital, attention should be paid to

facilitating an environment conducive to breastfeeding. This includes making
arrangements for:
24 hour rooming-in and continuing skin-to-skin contact when possible
privacy
adequate rest for women without interruption caused by hospital routine
access to food and drink on demand. [2006]
1.3.6
Formula milk should not be given to breastfed babies unless medically

indicated. [2006]
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1.3.7
Commercial packs, for example those given to women when they are
discharged from hospital, containing formula milk or advertisements for formula
should not be distributed. [2006]
1.3.8
Women who leave hospital soon after birth should be reassured that this
should not impact on breastfeeding duration. [2006]
1.3.9
Written breastfeeding education materials as a stand-alone intervention are not

recommended. [2006]
Starting successful breastfeeding

1.3.10 In the first 24 hours after birth, women should be given information on the
benefits of breastfeeding, the benefits of colostrum and the timing of the first
breastfeed. Support should be culturally appropriate. [2006]
1.3.11
Initiation of breastfeeding should be encouraged as soon as possible after the

birth, ideally within 1 hour. [2006]
1.3.12 Separation of a woman and her baby within the first hour of the birth for routine
postnatal procedures, for example weighing, measuring and bathing, should be
avoided unless these measurements are requested by the woman, or are
necessary for the immediate care of the baby. [2006]
1.3.13 Women should be encouraged to have skin-to-skin contact with their babies as
soon as possible after the birth. [2006]
1.3.14 It is not recommended that women are asked about their proposed method of
feeding until after the first skin-to-skin contact. [2006]
1.3.15 From the first feed, women should be offered skilled breastfeeding support
(from a healthcare professional, mother-to-mother or peer support) to enable
comfortable positioning of the mother and baby and to ensure that the baby
attaches correctly to the breast to establish effective feeding and prevent
concerns such as sore nipples. [2006]
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1.3.16 Additional support with positioning and attachment should be offered to women
who have had:
a narcotic or a general anaesthetic, as the baby may not initially be responsive to
feeding
a caesarean section, particularly to assist with handling and positioning the baby to
protect the woman's abdominal wound
initial contact with their baby delayed. [2006]
Continuing successful breastfeeding

1.3.17 Unrestricted breastfeeding frequency and duration should be encouraged.
[2006]
1.3.18 Women should be advised that babies generally stop feeding when they are
satisfied, which may follow a feed from only one breast. Babies should be
offered the second breast if they do not appear to be satisfied following a feed
from one breast. [2006]
1.3.19 Women should be reassured that brief discomfort at the start of feeds in the
first few days is not uncommon, but this should not persist. [2006]
1.3.20 Women should be advised that if their baby is not attaching effectively he or
she may be encouraged, for example by the woman teasing the baby's lips
with the nipple to get him or her to open their mouth. [2006]
1.3.21 Women should be advised of the indicators of good attachment, positioning
and successful feeding. These are given in box 1. [2006]
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Box 1. Breastfeeding
Indicators of good attachment and positioning:
mouth wide open
less areola visible underneath the chin than above the nipple
chin touching the breast, lower lip rolled down, and nose free
no pain.
Indicators of successful feeding in babies:
audible and visible swallowing
sustained rhythmic suck
relaxed arms and hands
moist mouth
regular soaked/heavy nappies.
Indicators of successful breastfeeding in women:
breast softening
no compression of the nipple at the end of the feed
woman feels relaxed and sleepy.
1.3.22 Women should be given information about local breastfeeding support groups.
[2006]
Assessing successful breastfeeding

1.3.23 A woman's experience with breastfeeding should be discussed at each contact
to assess if she is on course to breastfeed effectively and identify any need for
additional support. Breastfeeding progress should then be assessed and
documented in the postnatal care plan at each contact. [2006]
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1.3.24 If an insufficiency of milk is perceived by the woman, attachment and

positioning should be reviewed and her baby's health should be evaluated.
Reassurance should be offered to support the woman to gain confidence in her
ability to produce enough milk for her baby. [2006]
1.3.25 If the baby is not taking sufficient milk directly from the breast and
supplementary feeds are necessary, expressed breast milk should be given by
a cup or bottle. [2006]
1.3.26 Supplementation with fluids other than breast milk is not recommended. [2006]
Expression and storage of breast milk

1.3.27 All breastfeeding women should be shown how to hand express their
colostrum or breast milk and advised on how to correctly store and freeze it.
[2006]
1.3.28 Breast pumps should be available in hospital, particularly for women who have
been separated from their babies, to establish lactation. All women who use a
breast pump should be offered instructions on how to use it. [2006]
Preventing, identifying and treating breastfeeding concerns

Nipple pain
1.3.29 Women should be advised that if their nipples are painful or cracked, it is
probably due to incorrect attachment. [2006]
1.3.30 If nipple pain persists after repositioning and re-attachment, assessment for
thrush should be considered. [2006]
Engorgement
1.3.31 Women should be advised that their breasts may feel tender, firm and painful
when milk 'comes in' at or around 3 days after birth. [2006]
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1.3.32 A woman should be advised to wear a well-fitting bra that does not restrict her
breasts. [2006]
1.3.33 Breast engorgement should be treated with:
frequent unlimited breastfeeding including prolonged feeding from the affected
breast
breast massage and, if necessary, hand expression
analgesia. [2006]
Mastitis
1.3.34 Women should be advised to report any signs and symptoms of mastitis
including flu like symptoms, red, tender and painful breasts to their healthcare
professional urgently. [2006]
1.3.35 Women with signs and symptoms of mastitis should be offered assistance with
positioning and attachment and advised to:
continue breastfeeding and/or hand expression to ensure effective milk removal; if
necessary, this should be with gentle massaging of the breast to overcome any
blockage
take analgesia compatible with breastfeeding, for example paracetamol
increase fluid intake. [2006]
1.3.36 If signs and symptoms of mastitis continue for more than a few hours of self
management, a woman should be advised to contact her healthcare
professional again (urgent action). [2006]
1.3.37 If the signs and symptoms of mastitis have not eased, the woman should be
evaluated as she may need antibiotic therapy (urgent action). [2006]
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Inverted nipples
1.3.38 Women with inverted nipples should receive extra support and care to ensure
successful breastfeeding. [2006]
Ankyloglossia (tongue tie)

1.3.39 Evaluation for ankyloglossia should be made if breastfeeding concerns persist
after a review of positioning and attachment by a skilled healthcare
professional or peer counsellor. [2006]
1.3.40 Babies who appear to have ankyloglossia should be evaluated further
(non-urgent action). [2006]
[ 5]
Sleepy baby
1.3.41 Women should be advised that skin-to-skin contact or massaging a baby's feet
should be used to wake the baby. The baby's general health should be
assessed if there is no improvement. [2006]
Formula feeding
1.3.42 All parents and carers who are giving their babies formula feed should be
offered appropriate and tailored advice on formula feeding to ensure this is
undertaken as safely as possible, in order to enhance infant development and
health, and fulfil nutritional needs. [2006]
1.3.43 A woman who wishes to feed her baby formula milk should be taught how to
make feeds using correct, measured quantities of formula, as based on the
manufacturer's instructions, and how to clean and sterilise bottles and teats
and how to store formula milk[ ]. [2006]
6
1.3.44 Parents and family members should be advised that milk, either expressed
milk or formula should not be warmed in a microwave. [2006]
1.3.45 Breastfeeding women who want information on how to prepare formula feeds
should be advised on how to do this. [2006]
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Postnatal care
1.4 Maintaining infant health

The purpose of this section of the guidance is to provide the framework for the healthcare
professional, with the parents, to facilitate the health and wellbeing of a baby up to 8 weeks old.
It lays out the care given to a healthy baby and support to be offered to the parents. It should be
read in conjunction with 'Birth to five'.
1.4.1
Healthy babies should have normal colour for their ethnicity, maintain a stable
body temperature, and pass urine and stools at regular intervals. They initiate
feeds, suck well on the breast (or bottle) and settle between feeds. They are
not excessively irritable, tense, sleepy or floppy. The vital signs of a healthy
baby should fall within the following ranges:
respiratory rate normally 3060 breaths per minute
heart rate normally between 100 and 160 beats per minute in a newborn
temperature in a normal room environment of around 37C (if measured). [2006]
1.4.2
At each postnatal contact, parents should be offered information and advice to

enable them to:
assess their baby's general condition
identify signs and symptoms of common health problems seen in babies
contact a healthcare professional or emergency service if required. [2006]
1.4.3
Parents, family members and carers should be offered information and

reassurance on:
their baby's social capabilities as this can promote parentbaby attachment (in the
first 24 hours)
the availability, access and aims of all postnatal peer, statutory and voluntary groups
and organisations in their local community (within 28 weeks). [2006]
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1.4.4
Both parents should be encouraged to be present during any physical

examination of their baby to promote participation of both parents in the care of
their baby and enable them to learn more about their baby's needs. [2006]
Parenting and emotional attachment

1.4.5
Assessment for emotional attachment should be carried out at each postnatal

contact. [2006]
1.4.6
Home visits should be used as an opportunity to promote parent- or

mother-to-baby emotional attachment. [2006]
1.4.7
Women should be encouraged to develop social networks as this promotes

positive motherbaby interaction. [2006]
1.4.8
Group based parent-training programmes designed to promote emotional

attachment and improve parenting skills should be available to parents who
wish to access them. [2006]
1.4.9
Healthcare providers should offer fathers information and support in adjusting

to their new role and responsibilities within the family unit. [2006]
Physical examination and screening

1.4.10 The aims of any physical examination should be fully explained and the results
shared with the parents and recorded in the postnatal care plan and the
personal child health record. [2006]
1.4.11
A complete examination of the baby should take place within 72 hours of birth.
This examination should incorporate a review of parental concerns and the
baby's medical history should also be reviewed including: family, maternal,
antenatal and perinatal history; fetal, neonatal and infant history including any
previously plotted birth-weight and head circumference; whether the baby has
passed meconium and urine (and urine stream in a boy). Appropriate
recommendations made by the UK National Screening Committee should also
be carried out.
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A physical examination should also be carried out. This should include

checking the baby's:
appearance including colour, breathing, behaviour, activity and posture
head (including fontanelles), face, nose, mouth including palate, ears, neck and
general symmetry of head and facial features. Measure and plot head
circumference
eyes; check opacities and red reflex
neck and clavicles, limbs, hands, feet and digits; assess proportions and symmetry
heart; check position, heart rate, rhythm and sounds, murmurs and femoral pulse
volume
lungs; check effort, rate and lung sounds
abdomen; check shape and palpate to identify any organomegaly; also check
condition of umbilical cord
genitalia and anus; check for completeness and patency and undescended testes in
males
spine; inspect and palpate bony structures and check integrity of the skin
skin; note colour and texture as well as any birthmarks or rashes
central nervous system; observe tone, behaviour, movements and posture. Elicit
newborn reflexes only if concerned
hips; check symmetry of the limbs and skin folds (perform Barlow and Ortolani's
manoeuvres)
cry; note sound
weight; measure and plot. [2006]
1.4.12 The newborn blood spot test should be offered to parents when their baby is
5-8 days old. [2006]
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Postnatal care
1.4.13 At 68 weeks, an examination, comprising the items listed in 1.4.11, should be

carried out. In addition, an assessment of social smiling and visual fixing and
following should be carried out. [2006]
1.4.14 A hearing screen should be completed before discharge from hospital or by
week 4 in the hospital programme or by week 5 in the community programme.
[2006]
1.4.15 Parents should be offered routine immunisations for their baby according to the
schedule recommended by the Department of Health . [2006]
[ 6]
Physical health and wellbeing

Jaundice
1.4.16 Parents should be advised to contact their healthcare professional if their baby
is jaundiced, their jaundice is worsening, or their baby is passing pale stools.
[2006]
1.4.17 Babies who develop jaundice within the first 24 hours after birth should be
evaluated (emergency action). [2006]
1.4.18 If jaundice develops in babies aged 24 hours and older, its intensity should be
monitored and systematically recorded along with the baby's overall wellbeing
with particular regard to hydration and alertness. [2006]
1.4.19 The mother of a breastfed baby who has signs of jaundice should be actively
encouraged to breastfeed frequently, and the baby awakened to feed if
necessary. [2006]
1.4.20 Breastfed babies with jaundice should not be routinely supplemented with
formula, water or dextrose water. [2006]
1.4.21 If a baby is significantly jaundiced or appears unwell, evaluation of the serum
bilirubin level should be carried out. [2006]
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Postnatal care
1.4.22 If jaundice first develops after 7 days or jaundice remains after 14 days in an
otherwise healthy baby and a cause has not already been identified, it should
be evaluated (urgent action). [2006]
Skin
1.4.23 Parents should be advised that cleansing agents should not be added to a
baby's bath water nor should lotions or medicated wipes be used. The only
cleansing agent suggested, where it is needed, is a mild non-perfumed soap.
[2006]
1.4.24 Parents should be advised how to keep the umbilical cord clean and dry and
that antiseptics should not be used routinely. [2006]
Thrush
1.4.25 If thrush is identified in the baby, the breastfeeding woman should be offered
information and guidance about relevant hygiene practices. [2006]
1.4.26 Thrush should be treated with an appropriate antifungal medication if the
symptoms are causing pain to the woman or the baby or feeding concerns to
either. [2006]
1.4.27 If thrush is non-symptomatic, women should be advised that antifungal
treatment is not required. [2006]
Nappy rash
1.4.28 For babies with nappy rash the following possible causes should be
considered:
hygiene and skin care
sensitivity to detergents, fabric softeners or external products that have contact with
the skin
presence of infection. [2006]
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Postnatal care
1.4.29 If painful nappy rash persists it is usually caused by thrush, and treatment with
antifungal treatment should be considered. [2006]
1.4.30 If after a course of treatment the rash does not resolve, it should be evaluated
further (non-urgent action). [2006]
Constipation
1.4.31 If a baby has not passed meconium within 24 hours, the baby should be
evaluated to determine the cause, which may be related to feeding patterns or
underlying pathology (emergency action). [2006]
1.4.32 If a baby is constipated and is formula fed the following should be evaluated:
(urgent action)
feed preparation technique
quantity of fluid taken
frequency of feeding
composition of feed. [2006]
Diarrhoea
1.4.33 A baby who is experiencing increased frequency and/or looser stools than
usual should be evaluated (urgent action). [2006]
Colic
1.4.34 A baby who is crying excessively and inconsolably, most often during the
evening, either drawing its knees up to its abdomen or arching its back, should
be assessed for an underlying cause, including infant colic (urgent action).
[2006]
1.4.35 Assessment of excessive and inconsolable crying should include:
general health of the baby
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antenatal and perinatal history

onset and length of crying
nature of the stools
feeding assessment
woman's diet if breastfeeding
family history of allergy
parent's response to the baby's crying
any factors which lessen or worsen the crying. [2006]
1.4.36 Healthcare professionals should reassure parents of babies with colic that the
baby is not rejecting them and that colic is usually a phase that will pass.
Parents should be advised that holding the baby through the crying episode,
and accessing peer support may be helpful. [2006]
1.4.37 Use of hypoallergenic formula in bottle-fed babies should be considered for
treating colic, but only under medical guidance. [2006]
1.4.38 Dicycloverine (dicyclomine) should not be used in the treatment of colic due to
side effects such as breathing difficulties and coma. [2006]
Fever
1.4.39 The temperature of a baby does not need to be taken, unless there are specific
risk factors, for example maternal pyrexia during labour. [2006]
1.4.40 When a baby is suspected of being unwell, the temperature should be
measured using electronic devices that have been properly calibrated and are
used appropriately . [2006]
[ 7]
1.4.41 A temperature of 38C or more is abnormal and the cause should be evaluated
(emergency action). A full assessment, including physical examination, should
be undertaken. [2006]
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Vitamin K
1.4.42 All parents should be offered vitamin K prophylaxis for their babies to prevent
the rare but serious and sometimes fatal disorder of vitamin K deficiency
bleeding. [2006]
1.4.43 Vitamin K should be administered as a single dose of 1 mg intramuscularly as
this is the most clinically and cost-effective method of administration. [2006]
1.4.44 If parents decline intramuscular vitamin K for their baby, oral vitamin K should
be offered as a second-line option. Parents should be advised that oral
vitamin K must be given according to the manufacturer's instructions for clinical
efficacy and will require multiple doses. [2006]
Safety
1.4.45 All home visits should be used as an opportunity to assess relevant safety
issues for all family members in the home and environment and promote safety
education. [2006]
1.4.46 The healthcare professional should promote the correct use of basic safety
equipment, including, for example, infant seats and smoke alarms and facilitate
access to local schemes for provision of safety equipment. [2006]
Co-sleeping and sudden infant death syndrome

The cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is not known. It is possible that many factors
contribute but some factors are known to make SIDS more likely. These include placing a baby
on their front or side to sleep. We need clear evidence to say that a factor directly causes SIDS.
Evidence was reviewed relating to co-sleeping (parents or carers sleeping on a bed or sofa or
chair with an infant) in the first year of an infant's life. Some of the reviewed evidence showed
that there is a statistical relationship between SIDS and co-sleeping. This means that, where
co-sleeping occurs, there may be an increase in the number of cases of SIDS. However, the
evidence does not allow us to say that co-sleeping causes SIDS. Therefore the term 'association'
has been used in the recommendations to describe the relationship between co-sleeping and
SIDS. The recommendations on co-sleeping and SIDS cover the first year of an infant's life.
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Postnatal care
1.4.47 Recognise that co-sleeping can be intentional or unintentional. Discuss this

with parents and carers and inform them that there is an association between
co-sleeping (parents or carers sleeping on a bed or sofa or chair with an infant)
and SIDS. [new 2014]
1.4.48 Inform parents and carers that the association between co-sleeping (sleeping
on a bed or sofa or chair with an infant) and SIDS is likely to be greater when
they, or their partner, smoke. [new 2014]
1.4.49 Inform parents and carers that the association between co-sleeping (sleeping
on a bed or sofa or chair with an infant) and SIDS may be greater with:
parental or carer recent alcohol consumption, or
parental or carer drug use, or
low birth weight or premature infants. [new 2014]
Pacifier use
1.4.50 If a baby has become accustomed to using a pacifier (dummy) while sleeping,
it should not be stopped suddenly during the first 26 weeks. [2006]
Child abuse
1.4.51 Healthcare professionals should be alert to risk factors and signs and
symptoms of child abuse. [2006]
1.4.52 If there is raised concern, the healthcare professional should follow local child
protection policies. [2006]
[ 1]
National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services
[ 2]
Department of Health (2005) Responding to domestic abuse: a handbook for health

professionals. London: Department of Health
[ 3]
Available from: the Department of Health
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[ 4]
Antenatal and postnatal mental health (2007) NICE guideline CG45
[ 5]
Division of ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) for breastfeeding (2005) NICE interventional procedure

guidance 149
[ 6]
Department of Health (1996) Immunisation against infectious disease. London: Department of

Health
[ 7]
Feverish illness in children (2013) NICE guideline CG160
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Postnatal care
2 Research recommendations
In 2006, the Guideline Development Group made the following recommendations for research,
based on its review of evidence, to improve NICE guidance and patient care in the future. The
Guideline Development Group's full set of research recommendations is detailed in the full
guideline.
2.1 Routine monitoring of the weight of babies

Does routine monitoring of the weight of all low-risk babies during the first 68 weeks after birth
reduce the incidence of serious morbidities?
Why this is important
Healthy babies normally lose weight in the first week of life. This weight loss is usually transient
and of no significance, but may be exaggerated if there is difficulty establishing feeding or if the
baby is ill. In the past, all babies were routinely weighed at least twice in the first 10 days after
birth. There is debate about the benefits and harms of routine weighing in the first weeks of life.
The existing evidence base relies on findings from population-based surveillance systems and
small-scale evaluations. A large-scale randomised controlled trial is therefore required to
evaluate whether there is a significant difference in the incidence of important outcomes between
routine regular and expectant weighing of babies at low risk of complications in the first
68 weeks after birth.
2.2 Evaluation of Baby Friendly Initiative

What is the impact of the use of the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) on breastfeeding uptake and
duration in English and Welsh hospitals and community settings?
The health and social benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and baby are multidimensional,
yet, despite consorted and prolonged policy deigned to improve breastfeeding rates, UK rates
are among the lowest in Europe. The BFI sets rigorous standards for healthcare organisations to
adopt, with the aim of improving breastfeeding rates. Positive evaluations of the initiative have
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Postnatal care
been published in Scotland, and other countries outside the UK but cost-effectiveness studies
that deal with the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative have yet to be carried out in England and
Wales.
This postnatal care guideline recommends that 'All healthcare providers (hospitals and
community) should implement an externally evaluated structured programme that encourages
breastfeeding, using the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) as a minimum standard.'
Further research to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of BFI compared to another programme, or to
standard care, should be carried out. Outcomes should include necessarily initiation, duration
and exclusive breastfeeding rates and may also attempt to construct Health Economic measures
of outcome, such as the QALY.
2.3 The effect of peer support on severity of postnatal

depression
Is the severity of postnatal depression among socially isolated women reduced by the provision
of peer social support compared with standard care?
Postnatal depression affects 1015% of mothers and can lead to cognitive and emotional
disturbance in the baby alongside the effects on the mother. Children of depressed mothers are
more likely to access Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and suffer mental
health problems as adolescents and adults. Social isolation is a known risk factor for postnatal
depression and reducing this may have a range of clinical and psycho-social benefits.
A randomised controlled trial is proposed to evaluate the effect on the rate of postnatal
depression of providing enhanced peer support compared to standard care for women who are
at risk of social isolation after childbirth.
Outcomes should include quality of life and clinical measures: maternal and infant/child
psychological wellbeing, depression, social wellbeing, physical health
This research would complement research funded by the Health Technology Assessment
programme evaluating different models of care in the postnatal period.
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Postnatal care
3 Other information
3.1 Scope and how this guideline was developed
The scope for the 2006 guideline covers the recommendations labelled [2006]. The
recommendations labelled [new 2014] were developed after reviewing new evidence on
co-sleeping and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The guideline has been developed with the following aims:
to advise on appropriate objectives, purpose, content and timing of postnatal contact and
care for the woman and her baby
to advise on best practices and competencies for assessment of postnatal health and
management of postnatal problems in the woman and/or her infant
to advise on information, education and support required during the postnatal period
to advise on postnatal care
to consider good practice in communication between healthcare providers and women.
It is outside the remit of the guideline to advise on the management of complications arising in
the woman or her baby before, during or after the birth, existing pregnancy and/or
non-pregnancy-related acute or chronic diseases or conditions, or any aspect of antepartum or
intrapartum care, including procedures immediately following the birth. The guideline offers
recommendations on the essential core postnatal care that all women and their babies should be
offered. It does not offer information on the additional care that a woman or her baby may
require, although aspects of the guideline may continue to be relevant to either the woman or her
baby, or both. Referral to the guideline may also be appropriate in particular circumstances
where elements of core postnatal care may be required, for example women who have had a
caesarean section or infants who require special care.
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How this guideline was developed

The 2006 guideline was developed by the National Collaborating Centre for Primary Care
which is based at the Royal College of General Practitioners. The Collaborating Centre
worked with a Guideline Development Group, comprising healthcare professionals (including
consultants, GPs and nurses), patients and carers, and technical staff, which reviewed the
evidence and drafted the recommendations. The recommendations were finalised after
public consultation.
NICE's Clinical Guidelines Update Programme updated the recommendations on
co-sleeping and SIDS in 2014. The Programme worked with a Standing Committee of
healthcare professionals, methodologists and lay members from a range of disciplines and
localities.
See the methods and processes for developing NICE clinical guidelines.
3.2 Related NICE guidance

Details are correct at the time of publication of the guideline (December 2014).
Further information is available on the NICE website.
Published
General
Service user experience in adult mental health (2011) NICE guideline CG136
Patient experience in adult NHS services (2012) NICE guideline CG138
Condition-specific
Division of ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) for breastfeeding (2005) NICE interventional procedure
guidance 149
Antenatal and postnatal mental health (2007) NICE guideline CG45
Antenatal care (2008) NICE guideline CG62
Induction of labour (2008) NICE guideline CG70
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Maternal and child nutrition (2008) NICE guideline PH11

Caesarean section (2011) NICE guideline CG132
Antibiotics for early-onset neonatal infection (2012) NICE guideline CG149
Feverish illness in children (2013) NICE guideline CG160
Intrapartum care (2014) NICE guideline CG190
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Postnatal care
4 Standing Committee B and NICE project team

4.1 Standing Committee B
The Committee members listed are those for the [2014] update. For the composition of (the)
previous Guideline Development Group(s), see the full guideline.
Susan Bewley, Standing Committee Chair
Professor of Complex Obstetrics, Kings College London
Gita Bhutani
Clinical Psychologist, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust
Jennifer Bostock
Lay member
Simon Corbett
Cardiologist, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
John Graham
Consultant Oncologist and Trust Cancer Lead Clinician, Taunton and Somerset Hospital
Peter Hoskin
Consultant in Clinical Oncology, Mount Vernon Hospital
Roberta James
Programme Lead, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN)
Asma Khalil
Obstetrician, St George's Hospital University London
Manoj Mistry
Lay member
Amaka Offiah
Radiologist and Clinical Senior Lecturer, Sheffield University
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Mark Rogers
Research Fellow, University of York
Nicholas Steel
Clinical Senior Lecturer in Primary Care, Norwich Medical School
Sietse Wieringa
General Practitioner, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry
Topic-specific Committee members

Helen Ball
Lay member
Justin Daniels
Paediatrician, North Middlesex Hospital
Valerie Finigan
Midwife, Pennine Acute NHS Trust
Elaine McInnes
Professional Development Officer, Institute of Health Visiting; Health Visitor, Cambridge
Community Trust
Gabrielle Osrin
ay member
4.2 Clinical Guidelines Update Team

Philip Alderson
Clinical Adviser
Lynda Ayiku
Information Specialist
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Postnatal care
Emma Banks
Co-ordinator
Nicole Elliott
Associate Director
Susannah Moon
Programme Manager
Rebecca Parsons
Project Manager
Charlotte Purves
Administrator
Roberta Richey
Technical Analyst
Toni Tan
Technical Adviser
4.3 NICE project team

Christine Carson
Clinical Adviser
Anne-Louise Clayton
Senior Medical Editor
Ben Doak
Guidelines Commissioning Manager
Alexa Forrester
Implementation Lead
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Laura Gibson
Communications Lead
Gary Shield
Costing Lead
Sharon Summers-Ma
Guideline Lead
Judith Thornton
Technical Lead
Jennifer Wells
Guideline Coordinator
Erin Whittingham
Public Involvement Programme Lead
4.4 Declarations of interests

The following members of the Committee made declarations of interest. All other members of the
Committee stated that they had no interests to declare.
Committee Interest declared
member
Type of interest
Decision
taken
Standing Committee Members

Susan
Bewley
Self-employed academic and obstetric

expert.
Personal pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Susan
Bewley
100 hour per annum teaching contract with Personal pecuniary

Kings College London.
interest
Declare
and
participate
Page 45 of 67
Postnatal care
Susan
Bewley
In the last 12 months received income or

fees for:
Personal pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Research projects as a principal or

co-investigator or giving expert advice
(presently these include projects on major
postpartum haemorrhage, the organisation
of maternity care, gestation time for
abortion)
Academic supervision (PhD on
implementation of external cephalic
version, chair of 35/39 TSC on the timing of
induction)
Teaching (BSc law and ethics tutor at KCL,
occasional fees for lectures on obstetrics)
Medico-legal reports (approx. 2/year) and
Medical Defence Union cases committee
and council
External reviews for NHS organisations
related to my obstetric expertise (serious
incident and maternal mortality
investigations, RCOG review)
Chairing NICE GDG
Expert advice to NHS Quest (development
of a maternity 'safety thermometer')
Royalties from edited books
Advice to Marie Stopes International about
obstetric standards
Page 46 of 67
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Susan
Bewley
Expenses paid to attend conferences to

lecture on obstetric topics. In the last year
this included speaking to a Human Rights
conference at the Hague, the Royal
Society of Edinburgh, and the International
Society of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and
Gynaecology, and attending the British
Maternal Fetal Medicine Society
conference. Received a community grant
to attend the British HIV Association
conference.
Susan
Bewley
Joint intellectual property rights in a new

Non-personal
neonatal resuscitation trolley, but these
pecuniary interest
were negotiated to be handed over to
Liverpool University and Inditherm. In
return, the inventors have negotiated that a
fee generated on the sale of each trolley
will be given to charity.
Declare
and
participate
Susan
Bewley
Expressed views in publications about

obstetric matters, largely based on
evidence.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Susan
Bewley
A trustee and committee member of

Personal
Healthwatch (a charity devoted to evidence non-pecuniary
and "for treatments that work") and a
interest
trustee of Sophia (a charity devoted to
women with HIV and the UK arm of the
Global Coalition for Women and AIDS).
Declare
and
participate
Personal pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Page 47 of 67
Postnatal care
Susan
Bewley
Member of the following editorial boards:

Medical Law Review, International Journal
of Childbirth, JASS (Journal Article
Summary Service); Member of the London
Clinical Senate; Member of the Mayor's
Office for Policing and Crime Violence
Against Women and Girls Panel; Member
All-Parliamentary Party Group on
Maternity; Trustee of Maternity Action (a
charity which aims to end inequality and
improve the health and wellbeing of
pregnant women, partners and young
children), one of seven members of the
Women's Health and Equality Consortium
which is a Strategic Partner of the
Department of Health.
Susan
Bewley
Expert advice to Salamander Trust (funded Personal pecuniary

by WHO to perform a global community
interest
consultation of women living with HIV to
inform Sexual and Reproductive Health
and Human Rights guideline update).
Declare
and
participate
Susan
Bewley
Expenses paid to attend and present at

'Changing Motherhood' and 'Assisted
reproduction that harms' conferences.
Personal pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Gita
Bhutani
Member of British Psychological Society;

Division of Clinical Psychology; Faculty of
Leadership and Management Committee
Member
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Jennifer
Bostock
(Dec 13 to
Sept 14)
2013 current, Lay Member/PPI Advisor

CEDAR Institute of Public Health,
University of Cambridge
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Page 48 of 67
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2013 current, PPI Board Member NIHR

School of Public Health, NIHR University
of Sheffield (host) & 7 others
2011 current, Lay Member Advisory
Group Healthcare Quality Improvement
Partnership
2011 current, PPI Advisor, King's College
London (MOVE IT & Pembury studies)
2010 current, Lay Member PPI
research group, Healthcare Acquired
Infection Research Network
2010 current, PPI Collaborator &
Co-Applicant & Trial Steering Committee,
Infection RCTrials: Oviva; ARREST &
ASSIST + Co-app FAST-GAIN &
FACT-MRC; St Thomas' Hospital &
University of Oxford & University of Sussex
2009 current, Public Advisor, Dept of
Population health University of Oxford
2010 current, Public Involvement
Implementation Group Core Member
Quality & Outcomes of person-centred care
policy research unit: LSE/Oxford & Kent
Universities
2010 current, Lay Reviewer, NIHR &
Department of Health (Policy Research
Programme)
2010 current, Public Member
H Acquired Infection Research Network
University of West London
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2006 current, Committee Member Lead

Reviewer & Sub Com member &
Proportionate Review analyst, NHS
Research Ethics Committee (Institute of
Psychiatry REC MCA flagged.)
2010 current, Lay Committee Member,
NIHR: RfPB; PgfAR HS&DR & TCC
2012 current, Ethics Consultant
Scabies Study, Public Health England,
University of Sussex & British Skin
Foundation
2010 current, Visiting Guest Lecturer,
Dept of Psychological Medicine: Kings
College London
2014 current, Lay Reviewer & Ethics
Advisor King's Centre for Military Health
2013 current, Committee Member
(Trauma) Royal College of Physicians,
National Clinical Guidelines Centre
2011 current, Lay Research Advisor
Very Brief Interventions Project, University
of Cambridge
2013 current, Research Design Service
PPI Consultant, Research Design Service
London & South Central
2011 current, Lay Member and Advisor,
Guys & St Thomas' Biomedical Research
Centre Advisory Group
2011 current, FAST-R Consultant (lay),
Mental Health Research Network
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2014 current, Lay Reviewer, Dept of

Health: Policy Research Programme
2011 current, Lay Advisory Group
Member, Health Quality Improvement
Partnership
2010 current, Independent Mental Health
Act Manager, Oxleas NHS FT
2014 current, Lay Research Advisor,
Imperial Faculty of Medicine
Simon
Corbett
Network Service Adviser for the British

Cardiovascular Society. This role
incorporates the regional specialty adviser
role for the Royal College of Physicians.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Simon
Corbett
Acting Director for Clinical Effectiveness for Personal

employer (University Hospital Southampton non-pecuniary
NHS Foundation Trust). Part of this role
interest
involves the dissemination and
implementation of NICE guidance in the
Trust.
Declare
and
participate
John
Graham
Director of National Collaborating Centre

for Cancer this post is funded through a
contract with NICE to produce NICE's
clinical guidelines.
Non-personal
pecuniary interest
Declare
and
participate
John
Graham
Principal investigator for an ongoing clinical Non-personal

trial in prostate cancer with Custirsen
pecuniary interest
funded by OncoGenex Technologies Inc
and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Declare
and
participate
John
Graham
Principal investigator for 8 ongoing clinical

trials in breast and prostate cancer run via
the National Cancer Research Network
(not pharmaceutical industry funded)
Declare
and
participate
Non-personal
pecuniary interest
Page 51 of 67
Postnatal care
John
Graham
Member of the trial management groups for Personal

2 prostate cancer trials: RT01 and CHHIP. non-pecuniary
Both are closed to recruitment but
interest
continuing to report trial results.
Declare
and
participate
John
Graham
Principal investigator for a study of

radium-223 in prostate cancer that is
funded by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. It is
non-personal pecuniary and started on
12th June.
Non-personal
pecuniary interest
Declare
and
participate
John
Graham
In May 2014 I did some work for NICE

International on a project with the
Philippines Department of Health and
received a consultancy fee, travel and
subsistence payments.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Research grant paid to department from

Varian Medical (until Dec 2013)
Non-personal
pecuniary interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Investigator in research studies sponsored Non-personal

by various companies with payment for
pecuniary interest
expenses to NHS Trust and department
which fund research staff. Recent studies
have been on behalf of Millenium, Astellas,
Ipsen and Amgen.
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists Personal

and member of Faculty Board, Specialist
non-pecuniary
Training Board and Chair of Exam Board.
interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Consultant to the IAEA; Undertake by

invitation lectures and working group
meetings for which expenses may be paid.
Declare
and
participate
Personal pecuniary
interest
Page 52 of 67
Postnatal care
Peter
Hoskin
Received reimbursement of travelling

expenses and conference registration fee
for attending the European Society of
Radiation and Oncology (ESTRO) in
December 2013
Personal pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Chief investigator for a trial investigating

brachytherapy +/- external bean
radiotherapy, which received funding from
Dept of Health and CRUK. Continues to
follow those patients up and publish data
from the study.
Non-personal
pecuniary interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Holds a research grant from Varian which

Non-personal
pays the salary for a data manager working pecuniary interest
of HDR boost, for Brachytherapy in
prostate cancer.
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Department reimbursed for studies on

abiraterone by Cougar.
Non-personal
pecuniary interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin

alpharadin by Astellas.
Non-personal
pecuniary interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin

MDV 3100 by Medivation.
Non-personal
pecuniary interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin

Non-personal
Denosumab for prostate cancer. Funded by pecuniary interest
Amgen.
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Department receives grants from Astellas

for trials in prostate cancer.
Declare
and
participate
Non-personal
pecuniary interest
Page 53 of 67
Postnatal care
Peter
Hoskin
Department receives grants from Bayer for

trails in prostate cancer.
Non-personal
pecuniary interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Department received grants from

Millennium for trials in prostate cancer.
Non-personal
pecuniary interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Department received grants from Varian for Non-personal

trials in prostate cancer
pecuniary interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Trustee for funding research within the unit/ Personal

department. Funded by Donations/
non-pecuniary
Legacies. No Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
interest
research has been funded in the last 12
months.
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Chair Steering Group for National Cancer

Intelligence Network (NCIN)
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Member of the committee of Medical

Aspects for Radiation Exposure
(COMARE)
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Chair of the executive committee of GEC

ESTRO Brachytherapy Group.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Member of the faculty board of the Royal

College of Radiologists.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Member of the specialist training

committee for the Royal college of
Radiologists.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Member of the specialist training advisory

committee (STAC) for the Royal College of
Radiologist.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Page 54 of 67
Postnatal care
Peter
Hoskin
Editorial board member for the Journal of

Clinical Oncology.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Editorial board member for the Journal of

Contemporary Brachytherapy.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Member of the East of England senate.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Peter
Hoskin
Member of the NICE standing committee

for rapid updates / and non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma GDG.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Roberta
James
Programme Lead at Scottish Intercollegiate Personal pecuniary

Guidelines Network (SIGN)
interest
Declare
and
participate
Roberta
James
Validation of systematic review of guideline Personal pecuniary

methodology, Belgian healthcare
interest
organisation KCE one off payment.
Declare
and
participate
Roberta
James
Member of Guideline Implementability

Research and Application network
(GIRAnet).
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Roberta
James
Expert group member of Project on a

Framework for Rating Evidence in Public
Health (PRECEPT).
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Asma
Khalil
None
Manoj
Mistry
Public member of Pennine Care NHS FT

as a carer for my sister. Attend monthly
meetings
No action
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Page 55 of 67
Postnatal care
Manoj
Mistry
PPI representative for the Health Research Personal

Authority (HRA). Attended 2 meetings to
non-pecuniary
date
interest
Declare
and
participate
Manoj
Mistry
PPI representative for the Health Quality

Health Improvement Partnership (HQIP)
(London). Attended meetings to date
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Manoj
Mistry
PPI representative for the Primary Care

Research in Manchester Engagement
Resource (PRIMER) group at the
University of Manchester. Attended 2
meetings to date
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Manoj
Mistry
Carer representative on NICE Guideline

Development Group: 'Transition between
inpatient hospital settings and community
or care home settings for adults with social
care needs.' Attended 4 meetings to date.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Manoj
Mistry
Appointed Lay representative for the MSc

Personal
Clinical Science (Clinical Bio informatics) at non-pecuniary
the University of Manchester.
interest
Declare
and
participate
Manoj
Mistry
Appointed 'Lay Educational Visitor' with the Personal

Health and Care Professions Council.
non-pecuniary
(HCPC London)
interest
Declare
and
participate
Amaka
Offiah
Provision of expert advice to Her Majesty's

Courts in cases of suspected child abuse.
Personal pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Amaka
Offiah
Recipient of honoraria and expenses for

lectures and guidelines development from
BioMarin.
Personal pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Amaka
Offiah
Chairperson Skeletal Dysplasia Group for

Teaching and Research
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Page 56 of 67
Postnatal care
Amaka
Offiah
Chairperson Child Abuse Taskforce of the

European Society of Pediatric Radiology.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Amaka
Offiah
Member Joint RCR/RCPCH NAI Working

Party for Guideline Update Imaging in
Suspected Non-Accidental Injury.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Amaka
Offiah
Member of the Royal College of Radiology

Academic Committee.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Amaka
Offiah
Committee member of the International

Consortium for Vertebral Anomalies and
Scoliosis.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Amaka
Offiah
Member of South Yorkshire (Sheffield)

Research Ethics Committee.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Amaka
Offiah
Medical Academic Staff Committee

Representative of the Yorkshire Regional
Council of the BMA.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Amaka
Offiah
Partner Governor of the Sheffield

Children's NHS Foundation Trust
(representing the University of Sheffield).
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Amaka
Offiah
Editorial Committee Member of the journal

Paediatric Radiology.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Amaka
Offiah
Recipient of research funding from NIHR,

ARUK, The Sheffield Children's Charity,
Skeletal Dysplasia Group for Teaching and
Research
Non-personal
pecuniary interest
Declare
and
participate
Mark
Rodgers
Associate editor of the journal Systematic

Reviews that publishes research on health
and social care.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Page 57 of 67
Postnatal care
Mark
Rodgers
Research fellow in health services

research; has provided independent
academic reviews of clinical effectiveness
and diagnostic accuracy evidence for
funders including NIHR and NICE.
Nicholas
Steel
Currently finishing work as the principal

Non-personal
investigator on a National Institute of
pecuniary interest
Health Research (NIHR) funded project on:
'Are NICE clinical guidelines for primary
care based on evidence from primary
care?'
Declare
and
participate
Nicholas
Steel
National Institute for Health Research

(NIHR) Health Services & Delivery
Research Programme Healthcare Delivery
Research Panel member
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Nicholas
Steel
NIHR Regional Advisory Committee for the Personal

Research for Patient Benefit Programme
non-pecuniary
East of England region
interest
Declare
and
participate
Nicholas
Steel
Norfolk & Suffolk Primary & Community

Care Research Steering Group
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Nicholas
Steel
Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Personal

Awards (ACCEA) East of England
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Nicholas
Steel
'Implementation Science' Editorial Board

member
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Nicholas
Steel
'Quality in Primary Care' Editorial Board

member
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Page 58 of 67
Postnatal care
Nicholas
Steel
Faculty of Public Health Part A MFPH

Examiner
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Nicholas
Steel
Faculty of Public Health Part A MFPH

Development Committee
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Nicholas
Steel
Honorary Public Health Academic

Consultant, Public Health England
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Nicholas
Steel
Research grant: 'Are NICE clinical

guidelines for primary care based on
evidence from primary care?' (Chief
Investigator) - National Institute for Health
Research, RfPB
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Nicholas
Steel
Publication in press: Steel N, Abdelhamid

A, Stokes T, Edwards H, Fleetcroft R,
Howe A, Qureshi N. Publications cited in
national clinical guidelines for primary care
were of uncertain relevance: literature
review. In Press Journal of Clinical
Epidemiology
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Sietse
Wieringa
At the Centre for Primary care & Public

Personal pecuniary
Health at Barts & The London School of
interest
Medicine & Dentistry/Queen Mary
University I am working on a literature
review of 'mindlines' (related to
communities of practice) and a qualitative
study of a large group of GPs on a virtual
social network sharing medical knowledge.
I am funded for this via an NIHR In practice
fellowship.
Declare
and
participate
Page 59 of 67
Postnatal care
Sietse
Wieringa
I co-own a small social enterprise called

ZorgIdee that develops ideas to help GPs
to collaborate. There are no current
funders.
Personal pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Sietse
Wieringa
Board member of the Platform of Medical

Leadership in the Netherlands, via which I
am involved in a mixed methods study for
the development of a medical leadership
competency framework. The study group
receives funds from KNMG (Royal Dutch
College of Medicine) and SBOH which
receives its funds from the Dutch Ministry
of Health.
Non-personal
pecuniary interest
Declare
and
participate
Sietse
Wieringa
Member of Generation Next, a think tank

and network of young GPs. It's indirectly
funded by the Ministry of Health.
Personal
non-pecuniary
interest
Declare
and
participate
Sietse
Wieringa
Member of NHG (Dutch GP Society), which Personal

produces guidelines and I worked for this
non-pecuniary
organisation in the past.
interest
Declare
and
participate
Topic-specific Members
Helen Ball
Research lab has received research grants Non-personal

from SIDS Charities (FSID, Scottish Cot
pecuniary
Death Trust, Babes in Arms) to conduct
interest
research regarding SIDS and bed sharing.
The University has received consultancy
funding from NHS Trusts, the Kindred
Agency, and TAMBA (Twin and Multiple
Birth Association) for infant sleep related
projects that my team and I have
conducted.
Declare and
participate
Page 60 of 67
Postnatal care
Helen Ball
My personal experience of bed-sharing

Personal
Declare and
with my infants led to my research interest non-pecuniary participate
in why and how UK mothers bed share, the interest
pros and cons of bed sharing under
different circumstances, and the cultural
variations in bed sharing within the UK. I
have published academic articles on this
topic and spoken at conferences. I have
been invited to contribute to various
committees producing SIDS guidance
relating to bed sharing (e.g. Dept of Health,
Scottish Executive, UNICEF, NHS Trusts,
RCM).
Justin
Daniels
Designated Dr for child deaths in the

London Borough of Enfield (part of my job
at North Middlesex University Hospital)
Non-personal
pecuniary
interest
Justin
Daniels
Scientific advisor to Lullaby Trust
Personal
Declare and
non-pecuniary participate
Valerie
Finigan
Author of Trust's guideline on safe bed

Personal
sharing and I have worked as a member of pecuniary
the UNICEF designation Committee for the interest
last 3 years (term has ended) where I have
contributed comments on the draft of the
leaflet 'Caring for babies at night'.
Declare and
participate
Valerie
Finigan
Author of Saggy Boobs: and other

breastfeeding myths (receive one third of
royalties)
Personal
pecuniary
interest
Declare and
participate
Valerie
Finigan
Member Royal College Midwives Editorial

Board
Personal
Declare and
interest
Valerie
Finigan
Member NIFN (National Infant Feeding

Leads Group)
Personal
Declare and
interest
Declare and
participate
Page 61 of 67
Postnatal care
Valerie
Finigan
Member Infant mortality groups

Personal
Declare and
(Manchester, Rochdale, Oldham and Bury) non-pecuniary participate
interest
Valerie
Finigan
Completed 3 years membership UNICEF

Designation committee
Personal
Declare and
interest
Valerie
Finigan
Peer review for MIDIRS, International

Review, BJM
Personal
Declare and
interest
Valerie
Finigan
Written a paper on postnatal ward bed

sharing risk assessment tool used within
trust. The tool is not industry funded.
Elaine
McInnes
None
No action
Gabrielle
Osrin
None
No action
Page 62 of 67
Postnatal care
Changes after publication

February 2015: recommendation 1.2.62 has been amended after a surveillance review to
update the advice on the timing of MMR vaccination in women who are sero-negative for rubella
who also require anti-D immunoglobulin injection.
Update information
New recommendations on co-sleeping and sudden infant death syndrome have been added.
Recommendations are marked as [new 2015], [new 2014] or [2006]:
[new 2015] indicates a post-publication change to replace a recommendation
[new 2014] indicates that the evidence has been reviewed and the recommendation has
been added or updated
[2006] indicates that the evidence has not been reviewed since 2006.
Page 63 of 67
Postnatal care
About this guideline

NICE clinical guidelines are recommendations about the treatment and care of people with
specific diseases and conditions.
NICE guidelines are developed in accordance with a scope that defines what the guideline will
and will not cover.
The 2006 guideline was developed by the National Collaborating Centre for Primary Care, based
at the Royal College of General Practitioners. The Collaborating Centre worked with a Guideline
Development Group, comprising healthcare professionals (including consultants, GPs and
nurses), patients and carers, and technical staff, which reviewed the evidence and drafted the
recommendations.
NICE's Clinical Guidelines Update Programme updated this guideline in 2014. These guidelines
are updated using a Standing Committee of healthcare professionals, methodologists and lay
members from a range of disciplines and localities. The recommendations were finalised after
public consultation.
See the methods and processes for developing NICE clinical guidelines.
NICE produces guidance, standards and information on commissioning and providing
high-quality healthcare, social care, and public health services. We have agreements to provide
certain NICE services to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Decisions on how NICE
guidance and other products apply in those countries are made by ministers in the Welsh
government, Scottish government, and Northern Ireland Executive. NICE guidance or other
products may include references to organisations or people responsible for commissioning or
providing care that may be relevant only to England.
Strength of recommendations
Some recommendations can be made with more certainty than others. The Guideline
Development Group makes a recommendation based on the trade-off between the benefits and
harms of an intervention, taking into account the quality of the underpinning evidence. For some
interventions, the Guideline Development Group is confident that, given the information it has
looked at, most patients would choose the intervention. The wording used in the
Page 64 of 67
Postnatal care
recommendations in this guideline denotes the certainty with which the recommendation is made
(the strength of the recommendation).
For all recommendations, NICE expects that there is discussion with the patient about the risks
and benefits of the interventions, and their values and preferences. This discussion aims to help
them to reach a fully informed decision (see also patient-centred care).
Interventions that must (or must not) be used

We usually use 'must' or 'must not' only if there is a legal duty to apply the recommendation.
Occasionally we use 'must' (or 'must not') if the consequences of not following the
recommendation could be extremely serious or potentially life threatening.
Interventions that should (or should not) be used a 'strong'

recommendation
We use 'offer' (and similar words such as 'refer' or 'advise') when we are confident that, for the
vast majority of patients, an intervention will do more good than harm, and be cost effective. We
use similar forms of words (for example, 'Do not offer') when we are confident that an
intervention will not be of benefit for most patients.
Interventions that could be used

We use 'consider' when we are confident that an intervention will do more good than harm for
most patients, and be cost effective, but other options may be similarly cost effective. The choice
of intervention, and whether or not to have the intervention at all, is more likely to depend on the
patient's values and preferences than for a strong recommendation, and so the healthcare
professional should spend more time considering and discussing the options with the patient.
Recommendation wording in guideline updates

NICE began using this approach to denote the strength of recommendations in guidelines that
started development after publication of the 2009 version of 'The guidelines manual' (January
2009). This does not apply to any recommendations ending [2006] (see 'Update information'
above for details about how recommendations are labelled). In particular, for recommendations
labelled [2006] the word 'consider' may not necessarily be used to denote the strength of the
recommendation.
Page 65 of 67
Postnatal care
Other versions of this guideline

The full guideline, 'Postnatal care: routine postnatal care of women and their babies' contains
details of the methods and evidence used to develop the 2006 guideline. It is published by the
National Collaborating Centre for Primary Care.
The recommendations from this guideline have been incorporated into a NICE Pathway.
We have produced information for the public about this guideline.
Implementation
Implementation tools and resources to help you put the guideline into practice are also available.
Your responsibility
This guidance represents the view of NICE, which was arrived at after careful consideration of
the evidence available. Healthcare professionals are expected to take it fully into account when
exercising their clinical judgement. However, the guidance does not override the individual
responsibility of healthcare professionals to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of
the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or carer, and informed by
the summaries of product characteristics of any drugs.
Implementation of this guidance is the responsibility of local commissioners and/or providers.
Commissioners and providers are reminded that it is their responsibility to implement the
guidance, in their local context, in light of their duties to have due regard to the need to eliminate
unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. Nothing in this
guidance should be interpreted in a way that would be inconsistent with compliance with those
duties.
Copyright
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 2014. All rights reserved. NICE copyright
material can be downloaded for private research and study, and may be reproduced for
Page 66 of 67
Postnatal care
educational and not-for-profit purposes. No reproduction by or for commercial organisations, or

for commercial purposes, is allowed without the written permission of NICE.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-0866-0
Page 67 of 67

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Postnatal care

Issued: December 2014 last modified: February 2015

NICE clinical guideline 37

Table 1 Status levels ............................................................................................................................

Medicine recommendations .................................................................................................................

Patient-centred care ...................................................................................................................

Key priorities for implementation ................................................................................................

1.1 Planning the content and delivery of care ......................................................................................

1.2 Maternal health ..............................................................................................................................

1.3 Infant feeding .................................................................................................................................

1.4 Maintaining infant health ................................................................................................................

2 Research recommendations ................................................................................................... 37

2.2 Evaluation of Baby Friendly Initiative .............................................................................................

2.3 The effect of peer support on severity of postnatal depression......................................................

3.2 Related NICE guidance..................................................................................................................

4 Standing Committee B and NICE project team ....................................................................... 42

4.2 Clinical Guidelines Update Team ...................................................................................................

4.3 NICE project team ..........................................................................................................................

4.4 Declarations of interests.................................................................................................................

Changes after publication........................................................................................................... 63

About this guideline .................................................................................................................... 64

NICE 2014. All rights reserved. Last modified February 2015

NICE clinical guideline 37

Strength of recommendations ..............................................................................................................

Other versions of this guideline ............................................................................................................

Your responsibility ................................................................................................................................

NICE 2014. All rights reserved. Last modified February 2015

NICE clinical guideline 37

NICE 2014. All rights reserved. Last modified February 2015

NICE clinical guideline 37

Table 1 Status levels

Emergency Life-threatening or potential life-threatening situation

Potentially serious situation, which needs appropriate action

Non-urgent Continue to monitor and assess

NICE 2014. All rights reserved. Last modified February 2015

NICE clinical guideline 37

NICE 2014. All rights reserved. Last modified February 2015

NICE clinical guideline 37

Key priorities for implementation

NICE 2014. All rights reserved. Last modified February 2015

NICE clinical guideline 37

NICE 2014. All rights reserved. Last modified February 2015

NICE clinical guideline 37

1.1 Planning the content and delivery of care

Each postnatal contact should be provided in accordance with the principles of

A coordinating healthcare professional should be identified for each woman.

A documented, individualised postnatal care plan should be developed with the

Women should be offered an opportunity to talk about their birth experiences

NICE 2014. All rights reserved. Last modified February 2015

NICE clinical guideline 37

Women should be offered relevant and timely information to enable them to

At each postnatal contact the healthcare professional should:

Length of stay in a maternity unit should be discussed between the individual

There should be local protocols about written communication, in particular

Healthcare professionals should use hand-held maternity records, the

NICE 2014. All rights reserved. Last modified February 2015

NICE clinical guideline 37

1.2 Maternal health

Table 2 Signs and symptoms of potentially life-threatening conditions

Sudden and profuse blood loss or persistent increased blood loss

Fever, shivering, abdominal pain and/or offensive vaginal loss

NICE 2014. All rights reserved. Last modified February 2015

NICE clinical guideline 37

Headaches accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms